Baptism is a sacrament of initiation, which brings a person into union with Christ as a member of the Catholic

Church. Parents who are seeking Baptism for their children are asking that their son or daughter be initiated

into the Catholic Church, especially St. Mary’s Parish.  The Church baptizes infants and children on the faith of

the parents. The ideal is that parents have a deep faith, which they actively live out in the experience of the

Catholic Church Community – and as a result, the child’s faith is learned from their parents.  The Sacrament of

Baptism marks the beginning of the journey of faith. For all Christians it is the defining moment that reflects a

deep union with Jesus Christ.  We believe that Baptism is a sacrament, an action of Jesus Christ in his Church. A

sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, instituted by Jesus Christ. By the carrying out of the sacramental

rite, grace is given to the soul of the person who received the sacrament.

BAPTISM

1. forgives original sin and opens the gates of heaven for us 2. welcomes us into his Church3. makes us the sons and daughters of God Clearly, this is an important step, but only a first step to living the Catholic Faith. Faith issomething that is lived out daily by personal prayer, the Sacraments, the Mass and ourworks of charity to those in need.

Children are baptized in the faith of the Church: the faith of the parents, godparents, the local parish, theChurch throughout the world, and the saints. Sometimes, this sense of Church becomes a pale backdrop towhat is seen as primarily a private family event. Thus, parishes bring together a number of families to meet,discuss, and pray with one another, looking at the vast reality of what Baptism means for them, for their child,for the parish, and for the Church.  When we are unable to hold classes “in person,” the opportunity tocomplete the course online will be offered.

S t . M a r y ' s W a s h i n g t o n v i l l e

BAPTISM: THE LIFE, NOT JUST A DAY

IN THIS SACRAMENT, JESUS CHRIST:

BAPTISM CLASS

Let the little childrencome to me, and do not

hinder them, for thekingdom of heaven

belongs to such as these.

These are the big questions youand the Godparents will be askedin the Baptism ceremony. It’simportant that you know what youare saying a “yes” to. Thequestions force us to confront thereality and the truths of theCatholic Faith, and if we actuallybelieve, live, and share them.Sometimes we’re not sure, oraren’t completely sold on, or thinkthat we know what the Lord andHis Church teach on this or thattopic. Please let the priest knowwhen you sit for the interview ifthere are any difficulties or thingswe can help you with…that’s whatwe’re here for!

M a y 2 0 2 0 S t . M a r y ' s C h u r c h , W a s h i n g t o n v i l l e , N Y

GODFATHERS & GODMOTHERSThere is probably no more stressful part than choosing godparents.People think they’re “next in line” or “you chose his brother…now hissister has to”….aghhh!!! There should NOT be this much drama! Keep this in mind: someone beinga "nice person"doesn’t make him/her a great Catholic tutor, which iswhat a Godparent really is!  To be a sponsor, the person must be anactual practicing Catholic who prays regularly, assists at Sunday Mass,and has made the sacraments appropriate to their state in life. It doesn’tmean they’re perfect….but they’re at least trying. To make things easier for St. Mary’s Parishioners who have been askedto be a Godparent or a Confirmation sponsor you don’t have to go tothe office.  Simply catch one of the priests after all day Sunday or atSaturday night Masses. The priest will assist you then.

PROFESSIONOF FAITH

Do you reject Satan? I do.And all his works? I do.And all his empty promises? I do.Do you believe in the God theFather, almighty, creator ofheaven and earth? I do. Do you believe in Jesus Christ,his only son, our Lord, who wasborn of the Virgin Mary, wascrucified, died, and was buried,rose from the dead and is nowseated at the right hand of theFather? I do.Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,the Holy Catholic Church, thecommunion of saints, theforgiveness of sins, theresurrection of the body, and lifeeverlasting? I do.

WHEREVER YOU'RE AT...Get your questions about the Catholic Faith answered.

www.catholicscomehome.org

Mark 19:14

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY:Class Date: ___________________ Baptism Date & Time: _____________________Pastoral Notes: ________________________________________________________

CHILD'S FULL NAME: ________________________________ M F DATE OF BIRTH: ___________________IN __________________ (CITY/STATE) FATHER'S FULL NAME: ____________________________ CATHOLIC? Y N MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME: _________________________ CATHOLIC? Y N ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________ CELL: ______________________ EMAIL: ____________________________ PROPOSED GODFATHER'S NAME: _____________________________

PRACTICING CATHOLIC? Y N A BAPTIZED NON-CATHOLIC? Y N

PROPOSED GODMOTHER'S NAME: ____________________________PRACTICING CATHOLIC? Y N A BAPTIZED NON-CATHOLIC? Y N

*GODPARENTS MUST OBTAIN A SPONSOR CERTIFICATE FROM THE CATHOLIC PARISH WHERETHEY LIVE AND WORSHIP AND PRESENT IT BEFORE BAPTISM.

QUESTIONS FOR DAD:Do you regularly attend Mass?Are you married in the Church?Does the Catholic faith hold a crucial place in your life?Do you pray daily?Are you able to try to begin to go to Mass?

QUESTIONS FOR MOM:Do you regularly attend Mass?Are you married in the Church?Does the Catholic faith hold a crucial place in your life?Do you pray daily?Are you able to try to begin to go to Mass?

St. Mary's Church, Washingtonville, NY

The following questions are to help us along the interview so we know how best to supportyou and your family. Responses are confidential.

Baptism Intake Sheet

Yes NoYes NoYes NoYes NoYes No Yes NoYes NoYes NoYes NoYes No